SPCA sees more cases of animal abuse, neglect

Dimples has now found another home. (Photo courtesy of SPCA) Neglect occurs when an owner fails to provide adequate care for the animal in terms of shelter or food and water, veterinary care and humane care and treatment, according to the SPCA. Severe animal neglect can be painful and even fatal to the pet, it cautioned. While most people believe that animal abuse means causing intentional harm, neglect is a “passive form of abuse”, noted SPCA’s education executive Selina Sebastian. Leaving your pet dog unattended in the car for hours, keeping a dog or cat leashed or caged for long periods of time, or cramming rabbits, hamsters or guinea pigs in too-small cages -- all constitute animal neglect. The main cause of neglect is ignorance, believes Sebastian. “People don’t think about the responsibilities before getting a pet. They just like the idea of a pet,” she said, “And wh...